Torn between what's a right fit for my child/family and the what ranks much higher

[Anonymous]

OP: why did you choose private in the first place? What is it that your child needs? Which school serves those needs the best? Those are the questions you need to ask honestly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would add that schools do get reputations based on reality and years of people's experiences. The private school world in the DMV is actually quite "small." The schools with the best reputations ("Big 3/Big5") are clearly doing, and historically have always done, something very right.

A school with a lesser reputation is there for reasons.

I would also argue that you really don't know "fit" until you are a part of a school community. The shiny brochures and welcome events are one layer. The actual community and day to day of a school is deeper. You and your child really don't know how they will feel until they give it a chance and become a part of that community.

By this logic I should believe the Big 3/5 reputations and avoid them because I don't like the reputation

Okaaaay. But most people want their kids to be in schools that have built a reputation for excellence in all areas of education. Perhaps that is why the demand for those schools is consistently so strong. But you do you and send your child to whatever school makes the most sense for you.

Let'$ be real about what the reputation$ are actually ba$ed on, $hall we?

[Anonymous]

35 years ago I made this same decision. Go with your gut and best fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go with the one that you feel is the best fit

Yes!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would add that schools do get reputations based on reality and years of people's experiences. The private school world in the DMV is actually quite "small." The schools with the best reputations ("Big 3/Big5") are clearly doing, and historically have always done, something very right.

A school with a lesser reputation is there for reasons.

I would also argue that you really don't know "fit" until you are a part of a school community. The shiny brochures and welcome events are one layer. The actual community and day to day of a school is deeper. You and your child really don't know how they will feel until they give it a chance and become a part of that community.

By this logic I should believe the Big 3/5 reputations and avoid them because I don't like the reputation

Okaaaay. But most people want their kids to be in schools that have built a reputation for excellence in all areas of education. Perhaps that is why the demand for those schools is consistently so strong. But you do you and send your child to whatever school makes the most sense for you.

Let'$ be real about what the reputation$ are actually ba$ed on, $hall we?

And what’$ that?